What benefits do trees offer to livestock systems? >More in Trees offer animals huge benefits, according to Lindsay Whistance, senior livestock researcher at the Organic Research Centre. She sets out the value of silvopasture to livestock systems. 1. Shelter Trees buffer the landscape, elevating ground temperatures in winter by up to 6C under tree canopies, increasing lying comfort and feeding opportunities. Rain and high wind speeds are becoming more frequent and cold, rain and wind all lead to poorer animal welfare. For example, for every 1C drop below a beef animal’s lower critical temperature [temperature below which a resting animal must increase its metabolic rate to meet environmental demands for heat], there is a 2% increase in energy requirement.